Since the beginning of 2025, Hanoi has recorded three cases of Streptococcus suis infections, commonly known as swine streptococcal infections. According to the Hanoi Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while there have been no reported deaths, this number indicates a warning level similar to the same period last year.
A case involving a pork offal vendor
Among the cases, one notable instance involved a 73-year-old woman with a history of selling pork offal from her home. She suddenly experienced high fever, severe headache, nausea, and showed signs of altered consciousness. The patient was admitted to Bach Mai Hospital on June 2nd and tested positive for the swine streptococcal bacteria through a cerebrospinal fluid culture. She is currently undergoing intensive treatment and remains in critical condition.
Swine Streptococcal Infections – A Hidden Danger in Familiar Dishes
Pork offal, blood pudding, and rare pork dishes are familiar and popular among many Vietnamese. However, these foods pose a high risk of transmitting the swine streptococcal bacteria if not properly prepared and cooked.
The Streptococcus suis bacteria are commonly found in the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive tracts of pigs. They can enter the human body through open wounds, mucous membranes, or by consuming undercooked pork, blood pudding, or offal. Once inside the body, these bacteria can cause meningitis, sepsis, nerve damage, and even multi-organ failure if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
No Vaccine Available – Vigilance is Key
According to Dr. Dong Phu Khiem, Deputy Director of the Intensive Care Center at the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, there is currently no vaccine available to prevent infections caused by swine streptococcal bacteria. Therefore, prevention remains the most important measure.
Early detection and proper treatment can significantly improve a patient’s chances of recovery. However, delayed diagnosis can lead to serious complications such as permanent hearing loss or prolonged nerve damage.
Precautions to Avoid Swine Streptococcal Infections
- Refrain from consuming blood pudding, rare or undercooked pork, offal, or any other pork products that are not thoroughly cooked.
- Choose pork from reliable sources and avoid purchasing meat with unusual colors or signs of edema and hemorrhage.
- When handling and preparing raw meat, wear gloves and a mask, and always wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
- If you have open wounds on your hands or feet, cover them with waterproof gauze before handling raw food.
- When eating ready-to-eat dishes purchased from outside, reheat them thoroughly by boiling or steaming to ensure hygiene.
It is important to note that swine streptococcal infections are not transmissible from person to person, so there is no need for panic. However, being complacent about food safety and proper pork handling can have severe consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt safe eating habits, prioritize well-cooked meals, and always put your health first.
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